Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 5th August 2025
Two Riddells Creek locals are ready to put the pedal to the metal this November.
Eris O’Donnell and Bernadette Power are joining the Great Vic Bike Ride for the third time.
Riders travel across the state over multiple days, with this year in the new five-day format.
Eris said he and his wife Bernadette are looking forward to another great ride.
“You don’t have to worry about a thing on the Great Vic Bike Ride,” he said. “You get up, ride, have your luggage transported to the next campsite and get three meals a day.”
He and his wife are avid cyclists, riding for about 40 years.
“We’ve been all over the world cycling,” Eris said.
“We’ve been to Europe a couple of times, we’ve been to Asia a couple of times … it’s just part of our lives.”
Eris and Bernadette will ride through Mortlake, Koroit, Port Fairy and Port Campbell before arriving in Camperdown.
Details: greatvic.com.au
Anzac fund furore Pedal to the metal
By Georgia Tacey
A new Macedon Ranges council policy has left the future of one local Anzac Day eventindoubtandforcedtheorganisersof anothertoturntobenefactorsforfunding.
During the July 23 council meeting, it was revealed that funding requests for Anzac Day events in Malmsbury and Kyneton Anzac Day were rejected by council because of their connection with theKynetonRSL.
Council said the gaming machines at Kyneton RSL created a conflict with its gamblingharmminimisationpolicy.
The Anzac Day services are auspiced through the Kyneton RSL, however both services do not receive funding from the
RSL’sgamingmachines.
The organisers of both services applied to council’s Anzac Day Commemorative Services Support Fund grant, which is designed to assist community groups with expenses associated with traffic managementcontrol.
A recent state government ruling requires traffic management plans for Anzac Day events to be designed and conductedbyqualifiedpersonnel,instead ofvolunteersorlocalemergencyservices.
MalmsburyAnzacDayserviceorganiser
Bill Bates said council’s decision was disgraceful.
“I’m still shell-shocked at how the bureaucrats of Macedon Ranges Shire Council could allow two towns within
their own shire to not be able to conduct a marchonAnzacDay,”hesaid.
“If it wasn’t for two lovely benefactors fromBendigowhohavenowsteppedinand paid for my traffic control management, our ceremony was in serious jeopardy of notgoingahead.”
MrBatessaidthecoupledonated$2500.
Kyneton RSL president Mike Gretton said he would have to look internally for the $4300 needed to close the road for the Kynetonmarch.
“We felt there should’ve been a separation between our commercial operations, which includes the gaming machines, and commemorations,” he said.
“TheRSLdoesn’townAnzacDay…there
should be no connection between the fact weareagamingvenueinKynetonandthe commemorations such as Anzac Day that we conduct on behalf of the community andourveterans.”
Council apologised to the organisers of both services, saying it never intended to cause any unnecessary stress through the grant process and regretted that the organisershavefeltthisway It also reopened the grant for a further 10 days and both groups were encouraged toreapplyforthegrant.
Mr Gretton said Kyneton RSL would reapply,howeverMalmsburywon’t.
Mr Bates said he hoped council would come to a “common sense solution” next year.
Bernadette Power and Eris O’Donnell. (Damjan Janevski) 492286_01
Sport precinct progresses
Macedon Ranges council is looking to expand the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct, with the project’s second stage now out for tender.
Thesecondstagewilldoublethecurrent indoor and outdoor offerings across the New Gisborne site.
On the western sports hub site, proposed upgrades include three new multiuse indoor courts; four gender-neutral changerooms; additional car parking; a dedicated drop-off zone; additional offices and other public amenities.
On the eastern sports field site, proposed upgrades include a second natural
turf oval to the north of the existing oval and pavilion; two outdoor netball courts; and additional car parking.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said tendering out the works was a crucial next step to enable construction on the Sports Precinct, which was already being well utilised by local user groups.
“The sports precinct was envisioned to be a conveniently located recreational hub for the Macedon Ranges community, and it has already been extremely well-utilised by pre-agreed user groups as well as new groups coming on board,” he said.
“These planned upgrades will only fur-
ther enhance the sports precinct’s ability to host key matches, training, events and more – I look forward to contracts being awarded and the first sod turning on this second stage.”
The second stage will be delivered through two separate contracts; one focused on vertical construction and the other focused on civil works.
The sports precinct’s first stage was opened in June 2024 and delivered a threecourt indoor sports hub, a natural turf oval with an adjoining sports pavilion and other facilities.
The $17 million second stage is funded
Woodend Lions hunt for new members
Woodend Lions are on the lookout for new members to join the club.
President Barry McDonald said the club has recently had some members step down, and it is looking for fresh members to help run the many community events and initiatives the Lions take care of around town.
“We meet once a month, and usually that’s informal, sitting in a restaurant in
Woodend and basically sitting, having a chat, no formal meeting and we’re working out what we’ll do next, who will be there and how we spend the money,” he said.
The events the group runs includes the annual art show, the Community Market, and the Second-Chance Art Show. It also runs Christmas carols.
“I often say that people really do sing
the praises of the community here, but communityismadebypeoplewhoactually invest some time, add to the effort,” Mr McDonald said. “It’s all really good for celebrating it, but it’s really better to actually do something active.
“For people who are moving to the town or people who are just retired, it gives them something that really focuses [on the community].”
Shed plans to shape Woodend Racecourse Reserve feedback
The Woodend Men’s Shed may soon have a shed at the Woodend Racecourse Reserve.
The draft Woodend Racecourse Reserve Plan will soon go out for community consultation after Macedon Ranges Council approved it during its July 23 meeting.
The draft masterplan details the future uses for the site, including the use of open space, active recreation, as well as the potential inclusion of a shed for the Woodend Men’sShed,whichcamefromanalternative motion moved on the night.
Cr Kate Kendall moved the amended motiontoincludeinthepublicconsultation
period the feasibility of finding a suitable area for the Woodend Men’s Shed on the reserve, acknowledging the shed’s previous expressed interest.
“This will be a great opportunity for the shed as well as different user groups and residents to give their feedback on the possible inclusion,” she said.
CrAlisonJoesph,whileultimatelyinsupport of the recommendation, did have some concerns with developing the open space.
“The Woodend Racecourse Reserve is actually zoned as a public conservation resource zone, it’s not actually a public park,”
through the federal government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program and $2 million from council.
“With the current high demand for court space, we expect completion of stage two works will further cement the facility as a key regional sporting facility, which will continue to provide benefits to the community well into the future,” Cr Bonanno said. Council will continue to advocate to secure funding to fully realise all elements outlined in the Sports Precinct’s masterplan.
For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov. au/MRSP
New committee to tackle innovation
Macedon Ranges council will explore the establishment of a new committee.
Adopted at the July 23 council meeting, Cr Alison Joesph moved the motion to explore establishing a new Innovation Committee as an advisory and investigatory committee.
The purpose will be to investigate and provide recommendations to council on improving the efficiency and oversight of council; develop new and innovative ways of delivering services to the community; improve customer satisfaction with council services and ensure public value.
Cr Joesph said the idea started with Cr Daniel Young’s alternative budget motion – raised at the June council meeting – which looked to find efficiencies within council to reduce the rate rise.
“I suppose I’ve tried to build on that and to provide a committee that can look at both the efficiency and also in providing better services … giving the community what they want in a way that they want it,” she said.
Cr Joesph said the committee would look at innovative and efficient ways in which council can deliver to the community.
“I intend it to be a fairly inward focusing committee that looks at how we can do things better,” she said.
The committee will consist of at least three councillors, and will provide advice to council only and will not exercise any delegated powers or make binding decisions.
It will have the power to request and receive information necessary for evidence-based decision making, can receive ideas and suggestions for organisational improvements directly from council staff and the community, and will regularly report back to the community via council meetings.
As part of the motion, a report will be prepared by council’s chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan, which will be brought to the October council meeting for consideration.
she said.
“It is regarded as the most significant grassland reserve and remnant indigenous grassinthearea.I’malittlebitdisappointed that other options weren’t considered.”
Cr Daniel Young said shed issues extend across the shire.
“Just in the last six months of being a councillor, we have heard from various men’s sheds including Woodend, Romsey and Riddells Creek about some of the issues that they’re having with council … and from what I understand there’s some incredible frustration being felt on their part,” he said.
Woodend Lions Club president Barry McDonald. (Damjan Janevski). 491724_06
Green thumbs ready
By Georgia Tacey
Young green thumbs in Bolinda have their shovels ready to dig in on the school’s new project.
Bolinda Primary School has received $10,000 from Macedon Ranges council’s communityfundinggrantstorevitalisethe school’scommunitygarden.
Principal Jordan Chamerski said the projectwilltransformthespace.
“Our current garden needs a lot of work and it’s something that’s been in the pipeline for a long time, but we’ve never really been able to have avenues to get fundingforit,”hesaid.
“Wehadtheideaofwantingtotransform that space into something for the whole community, and not just our small school community.”
The project will turn the garden into an accessible, water-wise and pest-proof community space that supports food security, sustainability, and inclusion for students, families and the wider community.
“This project will get the community involved and would bring some life into thatvegetablegarden,”MrChamerskisaid.
“We do have problems with rabbits around here, so trying to get some garden beds and raised garden beds will help eliminate that and actually help this garden thrive rather than it always being a battletryingtokeepitgoing.”
The garden’s benefits will be felt throughoutthewiderBolindacommunity.
“It’s showing that we’re not forgotten out here, even though it’s a blink and you’ll missitkindoftown,”MrChamerskisaid.
Council seeks new names
Waterways across Hume could be renamed, under a proposal put forwardbycouncil.
During Hume council’s July 28 meeting. councillors agreed to contactrelevantauthoritiesincluding Geographic Names Victoria and Melbourne Water to seek approval to change the name of seven drains to creeks.
The waterways include Otway CrescentDrainandWarantinaDrain in Broadmeadows; Broad Street Drain in Attwood; Somerset Road Drain in Campbellfield; Heyson Drive Drain in Sunbury; Greenvale Drain in Greenvale; and Shanklands DraininRoxburghPark.
Cr Karen Sherry put forward the proposal, referencing David Widdowson’s Down the Drain –Lost Tributaries of the Moonee Ponds Creek and the way in which waterways have been reduced down to underground drains due to development.
Mr Chamerski said the students were alsoexcitedabouttheproject.
“It’s really saying to the community that it’sworthinvestingouthere,andwe’rejust hoping this community garden is going to beaplacewherepeoplewillcomeandlook afterandenjoyourspacetooattheschool.”
“Wedoaproduceswaphereatschooltoo, so every month we take our produce from our garden and at the end of the day we let our school community know and they’ll come in and swap, they’ll take things, they’ll drop things off for us to use in our kitchen garden program and it’s a really goodprogramwe’vestartedthisyear.”
Shesaidthenamechangecanhelp reinforce its historical and cultural significance. “There certainly wasn’t the attraction we now feel to waterways,” Cr Sherry said. “We’d be aghast if we concreted a creek now, but that wasn’t the case in the 50s, 60s,70sand80s.Callingthemadrain is a mistake of the past and does not reflectthetruevalueoftheseplaces.”
Teacher Donna Sparks, with students Lucas, Milly, Ryka and Briar. (Damjan Janevski) 492263_02
Next chapter for old school
Expressions of interest are now open for stage two of the Old Kyneton Primary School works.
Creative Industries Minister Colin Brooks announced the opening of expressions of interest period for interested parties with a compelling vision and suitable experience to bring the historic site to life.
“The Old Kyneton Primary School is a special place with deep roots in the community — and we want to ensure its next chapter is bold, inclusive and built for the future,” he said.
“We’re inviting proposals from those ready to embrace this opportunity and re-
imagine the site for a new era.”
The first stage of works is now completed,with$12millioninvestedintheproject by the state government.
This funding restored the school’s heritage bluestone building, creating a space for art, creativity and community, and built a new contemporary central building to provide a welcoming entry for visitors.
The former library has also been transformed, now suitable for a range of community and creative uses while the school’s grounds have been revitalised with landscaping, including 3000 new plants.
There is now an opportunity for a head tenant/operator to shape a thriving hub in the heart of Kyneton and write the next chapter for one of the town’s iconic historic buildings that is vibrant, accessible and relevant to the local community.
“This project is about honouring Kyneton’s past while creating new opportunities for locals, creatives and visitors to enjoy this special place for generations to come,” Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“We want to make sure the Old Kyneton Primary School continues to serve our community in the best way possible for generations to come.”
New future for historic Seymour Cottage
Seymour Cottage could soon be a go-to tourist spot for Romsey.
The Romsey and Lancefield District Historical Society has received $12,000 through Macedon Ranges council’s community funding scheme to go towards developing a masterplan for the cottage.
This will inform the society on how to unlock the tourism and local community engagement potential held at Romsey’s
oldest homestead. Society acting president, Dr Fay Woodhouse, said the group was thrilled to find out their grant application had been successful.
“This is vitally important money for a masterplan which will direct the society on how best to use the cottage,” she said.
Dr Woodhouse said the heritage cottage was built in 1855, and the society has owned it since 1983.
“It’s been maintained over those years but because there is a great deal of restoration work to be done, we need to find out exactly the right way to use the cottage and its grounds to bring in income and do more fundraising so we can raise the funding for the restoration,” she said.
The $12,000 will cover half of the masterplan, with the society now working to secure funding to cover the rest.
Greenlight for plan to manage roads in the Macedon Ranges
Macedon Ranges council has adopted its Road Management Plan for the next four years.
After gaining community consultation, the plan was adopted at the July 23 council meeting.
The plan covers the management of all council-managed roads and other road-related infrastructure, including almost 1800km of council-managed roads and access tracks.
The new plan largely reflects the previous plan, with amendments made to better reflect community expectations while
managing available resources.
Mayor Dom Bonanno praised council officers for their work on the plan, and highlighted the benefits.
“We do talk about roads a lot and I am proud of the works our officers have done to make these improvements in inspection frequencies being more proactive rather than reactive,” Cr Bonnano said.
“Category one sealed roads have moved from six inspections to 12 annually, so monthly inspections and Category two sealed roads from three
The government welcomes a range of ideas and proposals, including those that will provide opportunities for Kyneton’s creative industries, community groups and local businesses, and will complement and enhance Kyneton’s tourism offering.
Expressions of interest will be considered from single organisations, partnerships or a consortium of organisations.
The expressions of interest process will open on Wednesday, July 30 and close on Monday, September 29. Information will be available at creative.vic.gov.au
inspections to six, so bi-monthly.
“Getting to issues sooner, will hopefully improve that service level of getting things fixed quicker which is what our community wants and expects.”
Alongside increased inspections, intervention thresholds have been reduced, meaning that smaller surface issues in footpaths, shared paths and bike paths will now have prompt maintenance action, as well as the reactive inspection timeframes have increased from three to five days, to provide more flexibility.
Macedon Ranges council is mourning the sudden death of councillor Christine Walker.
Mayor Dom Bonano said council was made aware of the tragic news on Saturday morning.
“I have spoken with Christine’s husband Andrew and on behalf of council, offered our deepest collective condolences and any support the family may need through this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
“This news has left me and many others in total shock. Christine brought a natural warmth and humour to the councillor role, but she was also incredibly inquisitive, thoughtful and regularly offered valuable insights from her experience as a market researcher.
“Vale Christine – you will be sorely missed and our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew, daughter Isobel, and the wider Walker family.”
Cr Walker was first elected to the role in November 2023 on countback to fill a resignation vacancy.
She was then re-elected for a four-year term at the October 2024 council elections, representing South Ward.
Chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council staff were notified of the shock news over the weekend and staff who worked closely with Christine would really feel this loss.
“I join the mayor on behalf of council and staff in offering my sincere condolences to Andrew, Isobel, and the extended Walker family,” he said.
“Our councillors become family in many ways – we are feeling this sudden loss deeply, and will do for a long time.
“Christine came into the role later than those around her in her first term, but she showed great willingness to weather the whirlwind of information to support and speed up her induction. Her community-driven approach, attention to detail and warmth were respected by all those around her.”
Council will consult with the Victorian Electoral Commission regarding the process for filling the vacancy in South Ward.
Noreen Yorke, Fay Woodhouse and Shirley Kishere. (Damjan Janevski). 492284_01
Vale councillor Christine Walker
Vale Christine Walker.
Scouting new members
The 1st Sunbury Scouts are ready to welcomenewmembers.
For the first time in 18 months, the club isacceptingnewyouthsaged11to14inthe Scoutsection.
“We’ve had eight of our Scouts recently move up into the Venturer Section, which is fantastic to see, but it also means we’ve nowgotrareopeningsfornewyouthtostep intotheprogram,”groupleaderTashChild said.
“Scouting gives young people real life skills — leadership, resilience, problem-solving — and they gain all that while having fun, camping, and working together.”
The Scouts are youth-led and adult-supported, meaning young people themselves decide what activities they want to do, with the adults helping make it happen.
Kids can participate in bush hikes, cycling, sailing, bouldering and even snorkellingsessions.
The club also just went on a four-day snowcampatMtBawBaw.
Ms Child said they are also looking for adult leaders to support the group, with opportunities from leadership to outdoor trainingavailable.
“There are great training opportunities, including leadership development and outdoor skill courses like alpine and bushcrafttraining.
“It’s a chance to learn new things, meet greatpeople,andmakearealimpact.”
To enquire about joining, go to 1stsunburyscouts.org.au
Briefs
Boom gate free
The Sunbury line is now boom gate free. The last three sets of boom gates have been dismantled from the line, following works removing the gates at Old Calder Highway in Diggers Rest, and Holden Road and Calder Park Drive in Calder Park. The Sunbury line had some of the most dangerous level crossings in Melbourne, according to the state government.
Big winner
A Sunbury woman was shocked to find out her TattsLotto ticket resulted in a $4.2 million win. The woman held one of the seven division one winning entries nationally in TattsLotto draw 4593, drawn Saturday, July 26. She pocketed a total prize of $4,285,724.39. The mum was working from home when she received a winning phone call from lottery officials revealing her multi-milliondollar windfall.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
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1st Sunbury Scouts on a recent trip to the snow. (Supplied)
Pannell jailed for contempt
By William Ton, AAP
A former AFL umpire has been jailed for contempt after breaching an asset freeze and disobeying court orders to lay out his worth.
Troy Pannell was handed an 11-week maximum prison term for multiple contempt-of-courtoffencesafterheflouted a court order to disclose all of his assets and continued to dispose of assets despite being forbidden to do so.
The former umpire had been working in theshippingindustry,alongsidehis16-year referee career, until he was suspended
from his job in June 2024 pending a fraud investigation.
Justice Andrew Watson in May found Pannell guilty of four charges of contempt of court brought by his former employer SeaRoad Shipping. The plaintiff accused him and his company Independent Container Surveyors & Assessors (ICSA) of failing to provide accurate and up-to-date affidavits outlining all of his assets.
The Gisborne man had his assets frozen as part of the SeaRoad Shipping fraud probe, which related to alleged payments he made while working there.
He admitted to also breaching the
court-ordered freeze that forbade him and ICSA from disposing of any goods that would reduce his worth to less than $8.7 million.
Pannell, who self-represented in the Supreme Court civil trial, pleaded guilty to two remaining contempt of court charges on July 18 relating to a breach of his asset-freeze order. He sold a filly born from a racehorse he owned and separately gave a friend $10,000 in cash.
on July 30, Justice Watson said Pannell’s failure to comply with the court’s orders affected its ability to administer justice.
“Here the disobedience was
Community
comes together to mark Teej
Several of Victoria’s largest Nepali community organisations will unite in DiggersRestnextmonthtocelebrateTeej.
Hosted at the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC) in Diggers Rest from 7am–9pm on August 26, Teej Together is co-organised by the ANMC and Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria (DDSV) in partnership with the Nepalese Association of Victoria (NAV) and NRNA Nari Nikunja Victoria.
ANMC president Tilak Pokharel said that Teej is a cultural day celebrated by women and there are famous stories associated withtheevent.
“Basically, [women] pray to Lord Shiva on that day asking for the better life of their husband … long life of their husband or partners,”MrPokharelsaid.
“The way they celebrate is they sing, they dance, and they fast without drinking water for the whole day … so, the ANMC host a temple there which has a large Shiva … so most of the Nepali women will visit the temple on that day,” he said.
“The objective of the event is while they arevisitingthetemple,wewanttoentertain
them, we want them to have a good time together – so we’ll have be having music, we’ll be having dance, and we’ll be having what’s called prasad – which is a gift from God.”
Artists from Nepal will perform throughout the day and there will be children’sactivitiesincludingaplayground, jumpingcastle,andpopcorn.
Teej Together will be celebrated from 7am–9pm on Tuesday, August 26 at the ANMCat100DuncansLane,DiggersRest.
The judge labelled Pannell’s failure to provide affidavits to the plaintiff as serious contempts spanning several months that demonstrated a deliberate disregard to the court.
“(His) failure to present the affidavits (meant)forsixmonths,theplaintiffdoesn’t have a complete picture of his assets,“ Justice Watson said.
Pannell will serve his prison sentences for his charges concurrently and has already spent 54 days on remand.
Pannellhadbeenanumpireandumpires coach in the Western Football League.
Funds for live music venues
Multiple venues across the Macedon Ranges have been boosted by the latest round of funding fueling the music industry.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced the local venues benefiting from the latest round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund which is funding 136 venues across the state.
Recipients include iconic pubs, clubs and band rooms including Mount Macedon Hotel, The Lancefield Hotel, The 1860 Hotel (Evans Bar) in Romsey, Newham Mechanics Institute and Wombat Forest Vineyard in Denver.
“Congratulations to our amazing recipients,” Ms Thomas said.
“Macedon is a hub for live music with iconic venues. This investment will help keep that local energy alive, while supporting local artists and businesses.”
This funding round is part of a $3 million boost to local musicians, bands, venues and festivals across Victoria.
The Live Music Festivals Fund will support 11 festivals across the state, withgrantsofupto$50,000available for new or existing events.
Music works will also provide $940,000worthofgrants,backingthe careers of emerging and established artists, supporting them to create new music, tour and reach new audiences.
The Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC) Teej event last year. (Subash Bastakoti).
Where care feels like home
SinceopeningitsdoorsinJanuary,Romsey CommunityAgedCarehasquicklybecome a valued part of the local landscape, offeringdignified,person-centredcareina warmandwelcomingenvironment.
Aftermonthsofanticipation,community members have seen the transformation of a long-awaited development into a state-of-the-art home that fills a vital gap inregionalagedcareservices.
The purpose-built facility features 125 private rooms, each complete with its own ensuite and outdoor access, designed to promotebothcomfortandindependence.
Thoughtfully designed communal spaces, including multiple lounge areas, foster a genuine sense of home and belonging.
LifeatRomseyisvibrantandengaging.
From movie nights in the cinema room and activities in the men’s shed to a coffee in the café, there’s something to suit every interest.
Residents can express their creativity in the craft room, unwind in the piano lounge, or join in on regular bus outings andcommunityevents.
Romsey offers a full spectrum of care services, including 24/7 nursing care, permanent and respite care along with specialistdementiasupport.
A dedicated memory support wing ensures tailored attention, while the wellness studio and hair salon allow residents to access everyday comforts withoutleavingthehome.
Care feels like home at Romsey Aged Care. (Pictures: Supplied)
Recognition after 45 years
The federal government officially welcomed home the athletics from the 1980 Olympics Games in Russia on July 30, 45 years after the Games. Tara Murray chats with David Smith, who was among those to compete at the Games despite Australia’s boycott.
There was no way that David Smith wasgoingtomissoutonrepresenting Australia at the 1980 Olympics.
The race walker from the then Williamstown Athletics Club had five qualifying times to compete on the biggest stage for the first time.
While Smith was keen to hit the track in Moscow, there were bigger things going on behind the scenes.
More than 45 countries boycotted the Games in protest of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979.
There was intense pressure from the Australian government and many sporting administratorsandcommentatorsforlocal athletes to boycott the Games.
Some athletes snuck out of the country, others decided not to go at all.
Smith was unaware of a lot of the drama back home in the lead up to the Games, having spent the three months before the Games competing in Europe.
“Forty-five years ago I didn’t know that we were rejected and not acknowledged,” he said.
“I knew there was a boycott going on and theyaskedmetogoonthePeterCouchman Show, which is one of those personality shows.
They asked me, ‘are you going to support the boycott? I said no way ... There was no way I would miss out marching in the Olympic Games opening ceremony
- David Smith
“Theyaskedme,‘areyougoingtosupport the boycott? I said no way.
“I had my ticket to Europe and the visa to get into the Games, even if the team didn’t turn up … I was still going.
“I would have walked under the neutral flag and competed under the natural flag if that was the case.”
Smithhadhisownconcernsheadinginto the Games. He found himself in Europe with no money and his Euro pass expired before meeting up with the Australian team.
He jumped on a train late at night in Belgium without a ticket and reached out to a real estate agent to send him money so he could meet up with his teammates.
Smith had given up work to train full-time for the year before the Games and was one of the first people named on the team.
He said the Olympic Games experience was amazing.
“I had the best time of all,” he said. “Totally enthralled with it. There was no way I would miss out marching in the Olympic Games opening ceremony.
“It was the best feeling of all time.”
Smith was later disqualified in the 20-kilometre walk event
After the Games, Smith continued to compete and travel through Europe for three months.
The 1980 event would be one of two Games that Smith would compete in. He finished 10th four years later at the Los Angles Games.
Smith said he entered the event in good shape having won a 10-kilometre event weeks beforehand.
“The only problem we had was the heat and humidity, we were all done sweating by seven kilometres as it was that dry,” he said.
“I pushed through. Theoretically on times and everything, I should have been one of the top contenders.”
While Smith made his name in athletics, it wasn’t his first sporting love.
Hewasanamateurboxerwithmorethan 50 fights under his belt and also played rugby league.
It was a move to Werribee that set him onto the path to the Olympics.
“WhenIcamedownfromDarwininyear 12, I joined Werribee Athletics Club. In Darwin I was playing rugby league and my dad was the Australian lightweight boxing champion in his time.
“He was teaching me boxing. I was also riding track work with the horses.
“Dad got posted to Point Cook. There were no horses, no boxing and no rugby league.”
Having had some success at the NT Walkabout event in the Northern Territory, had got stuck into athletics when he moved to Werribee.
One of his classmates was a race walker
and he quickly joined the ranks as a junior and won two 10-kilometre titles in his first year.
He jumped into the senior ranks and moved to Footscray Athletics Club and then to Williamstown as it was ranked as a higher level club. He still holds four club records at Williamstown.
“I was running out of competition and running out of venues, as I was getting quicker and quicker,“ he said.
“I joined Williamstown as an A-grade club and spent a whole heap of time there. Theywerebrilliant,oneofthenicestgroups of guys in a club that you can imagine.”
Smith later turned coach and started helpingthenextgenerationofracewalkers.
Among them was his son Dane Bird-Smith.
It would take Smith back to the Olympics again.
In 2016, Smith watched on as his son won Olympic bronze in the 20-kilometre walk.
“I took him around the world [to] exactly thesameseriesofracesIhadraced33years
beforehand,” he said. “He mirrored a lot of the races that I had done.
“He pretty much broke all my Australian records on his way through.
“His bronze medal in Rio was absolutely brilliant. It was superb. I get the kudos of being his coach.
“He tells me he’s a far better athlete than me … I just told him he had a far better coach than I did. I was self coached.”
Smith, who recently turned 70, still loves the sport. He coached in several different countries but has now retired.
Living in Queensland, he is enjoying the sailing life.
Smith wasn’t at the welcoming home last week, due to already having committed to dog-sitting duties for his son.
Smith said competing at the Olympics has been a special memory.
“Once an Olympian, always an Olympian, that’s our catch cry,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s many people in Australia that appreciate what it takes to become an Olympian.”
Dane Bird-Smith and David Smith after the 2018 Commonwealth Games where Dane won gold.
(AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)
David and Dane Bird-Smith at the 2016 Olympics, and a story on David Smith in the Mail newspaper ahead of the 1980 Games. (Supplied)
Holy Trinity CPS Preps Shine in ‘100 Days Brighter” Celebration
Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School in Sunbury buzzed with excitement on Friday as its prep children celebrated a major milestone with a “100 Days Brighter” event. Marking the 100th day of the school year, the special occasion was a vibrant tribute to the incredible journey of the school’s youngest learners.Theschoolwas alive with decorations and cheerful energy, providing the perfect backdrop for a day dedicated entirely to theirachievements.
The prep children were the stars of the show, arriving in a dazzling array of luminous and colourful outfits that perfectly captured the “brighter” theme. The celebration was more thanjustaparty;itwas an opportunity for the children to showcase their remarkable progress. The children engaged in a series of fun and educational activities all themed aroundthenumber100. Theyconfidentlycounted to 100, demonstrated theirgrowingrecognition of letters and sounds, and shared personal stories about their favouritememoriesfrom
theirfirst100days.Each activity highlighted their significant growth in literacy, numeracy, and socialconfidence.
The“100DaysBrighter” celebration was a special tribute to the prep children’s hard work, curiosity, and adaptability.Abigthank you to the prep team for creating a safe and nurturing environment whereourchildrenhave been able to learn and shine.
The event marked a
key milestone on their educational path and served as a powerful reminder of how much theyhaveaccomplished. Their bright smiles
and proud spirits set a wonderfulandoptimistic tone for the remainder of their journey at Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School.
Help shape life in Ranges
By Georgia Tacey
Macedon Ranges Council is inviting the community to give feedback to help shape theRanges.
Following an initial round of feedback earlier this year, at the July 23 council meeting councillors adopted the Draft Shaping the Ranges Plan, Draft Asset Plan and Draft Financial Plan for community consultation. These documents will shape counciloverthenext10years.
The draft Shaping the Ranges Plan integrates the Community Vision, Council Plan, Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and the Disability ActionPlan.
Through the consultation process and reviewofthe2021-2031CommunityVision, the community assembly created a new vision to include ‘A regional community protecting the environment, supporting localbusinessesandcaringforourpeople’.
Cr Kate Kendall said this was the most important document for the community to consider.
“I was really excited to see that the community highlighted support for local businesses as a second highest priority to include in the community vision statement,”shesaid.
She also highlighted the five key themes,
A welcoming space for all
At the heart of the Riddells Creek communityistheneighbourhoodhouse.
The house offers a range of services for the community to join in on, including a community pantry, a community garden, book swap, party hire for the community, but what sets it apart is the social groups theyoffer.
“Neighbourhood houses are all unique and some have a lot of vocational training type courses and others have more social groups which is what we have,” community engagement manager Mary Giordanosaid.
Sewing classes, arts and crafts, music, gardening, yoga and more are run at the house, with its most recent addition being acommunityplaygroup.
The house also looks after the Riddell Roundup, a local community-led
newsletter that shares stories from around thecommunity.
“It’s quite a great publication for such a littlecommunity,”MsGiordanosaid.
Ms Giordano said anyone is welcome to poponin,tryoutagrouporevenjustenjoy awarmspaceandacuppa.
“They are all welcoming groups and we lovetoseenewpeople,”shesaid.
“It provides an essential, warm, welcoming and friendly place in the communityforpeopletocome.”
The house is always looking for people to get involved with volunteering. If you’d like to find out more information on the house and its activities, Riddell Roundup or volunteering opportunities, contact engagement@riddellscreeknh.com.au or call54287836.
Cr Jennifer Anderson encouraged all residents to think about what matters most to them in the community, and to include thatintheirfeedback.
“It’syourdocument,youownit,youneed to be the ones looking at it and providing someinput…becausewe’regivingyouthis opportunity to make what we do relevant,” shesaid.
The draft Financial Plan and Asset Plan sets out long-term strategic allocation of resources to meet the goals set out in the ShapingtheRangesPlan.
The Financial Plan details how council will deliver on is strategic goals in a financialstableway.
The Asset Plan sets out how council will acquire, build, look after and use its assets over the next 10 years, with a focus on council’s physical infrastructure including transport, buildings, open space and recreation, and stormwater and flood management. Feedback is open until Wednesday, August 20 for all three documents, before the final documents are adopted at the Octobercouncilmeeting.
Super students have marked 100 days of prepatKismetParkPrimarySchool.
The milestone marks a significant achievement in their early learning journey, and the school marked the occasion with a special day of activities andfun.
Acting principal Sam Cartlon congratulatedhisyoungeststudents.
“These first 100 days have been filled with exciting new experiences, friendships, and a love for learning, and wearethrilledtocelebratetheirsuccess,” hesaid.
On Wednesday, July 30, Kismet Park preps dressed up as their favourite superheroes, with the day’s theme 100 Days Stronger. Students showed off their super style in a parade, before enjoying
morning tea with their grade 6 buddies and all the prep families. They then also danced the day away with a VIP Disco partyforprepsandtheirbuddies.
Prep teacher Brenna Wohlers said the theme was chosen to reflect how far they’ve grown academically, socially, emotionallyandcreatively.
“Just like superheroes, they’ve faced challenges, learned new skills, and developed the confidence to tackle anythingthatcomestheirway,”shesaid.
“I’velovedseeinghowmucheachchild has grown over these 100 days — not just older, but braver, wiser, and more confident.
“They’ve built a strong foundation for learning, and I can’t wait to see them continuetosoar.”
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House community engagement manager Mary Giordano. (Damjan Janevski) 491670_01
Teacher Brenna Wohlers, assistant principal Louisa Beckenham and teacher Carlie Lake, with preps Maverick, Harrison, Charlie, Indie, Amalee, Parker, Hudson, Onaya, Eadie and William. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 492264
Parker is superman, Hudson shows off his super strength and Indie looks super.
Twins Eadie and Charlie.
Digital dentures: The future is here at Perfect Fit
Perfect Fit Dentures has been operating within Macedon Ranges and Hume for 30 years by both Neill Park and Ben Jones.
Neill’s career spans 48 years and incorporates private practice and a period asadentureprostheticstutoratMelbourne RMIT.
Ben’scareerspans15years,incorporating private practice and multiple community healthcentres.
Between them, they have combined experienceexceeding55years.
This is reflected in their exceptional reputation and demand, which often extends outside of these localities, mostly resultingfromwordofmouth.
PerfectFitDentures,basedinSunbury,is theregion’sfirstfullydigitaldentureclinic, with the ability to create dentures using the latest in CAD-CAM technology with 3D printing and milling, which sets them apartfromcompetitorsinthearea.
It is important for Neill and Ben to keep pace with the latest technology and training, and the digital system enables ongoing improvements in treatmentsandcare,resultinginattaining the best possible results and enabling dentures to look more like the patient’s naturalteeth.
By utilising the milling system, Perfect Fit Dentures can provide patients with superior fitting, functional dentures and the digital software now allows them to craft each tooth individually, which caters to the personal choice and preference of patients regarding the “look” or characteristicsoftheirdentures.
Additionally, this exciting modern technology allows them to reduce the number of appointments required for new
33-35MacedonStreet,Sunbury. It provides a complimentary initial consultation with a written quote, after
discussingyouroptions. Please call the clinic for an appointment on(03)97444405.
Neill Park and Benjamin Jones from Perfect Fit Dentures. (Supplied)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Malmsbury Farmers and Makers Market
Locals and people from afar get along to this wonderful Farmers Market. Always the third Sunday of the month….fresh produce, wine, hot food, coffee, plants, artisan foods and crafts that are special. Musical entertainment whilst you shop and catch up with friends. Located at the picturesque Malmsbury Cricket Ground 9am-1pm.
Amy, 0423 726 695
Sunbury Men’s Probus Club
Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 10am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month.
Lindsay Brown, 0405 177 478
Ladies Probus Club
The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club (Club Sunbury). Meetings now start at 10.30am for two hours. It also has guest speakers each month, outings, and theatre regularly. New Members and visitors welcomed.
Jessie, 0458 190 254
Messy Play in Sunbury
Join in the Messy Play fun with this toddler-focused program, including messy and sensory child-led play. The program will run from 10–11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.
www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978
Young Voices of Macedon
A community choir for children of the Macedon Ranges and beyond, Young Voices of Macedon rehearses at the House of the Rock, 247 Station Road, New Gisborne. The choir has separate programs for young children aged five to eight and older children. Rehearsals assist children in developing vocal technique, part singing skills, and general musicianship, across popular, classical, folk and music theatre styles. Rehearsals run on Thursdays, from 4.15pm, with afternoon tea and play time. yvmacedon.org.au
Hume Men’s Shed
The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.
sunburymensshed.com, or 0438 677 425
Macedon Ranges Photographic
Society
Are you into photography, just starting out, or a fully fledged professional? The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Come along to a meeting on the first and second Monday of the month. Doors open at 7pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm at Jubilee Hall, 52 Smith Street, Macedon. www.macedon-ranges-photography.org. au, or info@macedon-ranges-photography. org.au
Insync Entertainment
Insync Entertainment is an all-female community choir, providing the opportunity to meet others who enjoy singing. The group is seeking new members to join the friendly choir. No auditions required. They rehearse at the
Sunbury Baptist Church Hall every Monday from 7.15–9.30pm.
insyncentertainment@gmail.com
North Western District Pipe Band
The newly formed North Western District Pipe Band meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Diggers Rest Bowls Club. It is seeking experienced pipers and drummers to join the band and is also offering tuition for learners of all ages.
Hank, 0412 160 576, nwd.pipeband@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/NorthWesternDistrict PipeBand?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Toastmasters
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20–9.30pm, at the Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.
vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org
Sunbury Seniors
Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 10am–3pm. The club is temporarily located at 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury while construction on a new venue is underway. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a
cup of coffee and a chat.
0434 400 754
One Voice Sunbury
The WOV Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required.
One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome – just join in on the fun.
sunbury@withonevoice.org.au
Pernaperna Women’s Group
The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you.
Joan, 0418 302 676
Jacksons Creek Combined Probus Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club
meets the second Monday of the month at Club Sunbury, Riddell Road, Sunbury. Meetings commence at 10.30am. New members are welcome to join our friendly group of men and women. We have monthly speakers, outings and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins or caravans.
Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006
Craft and conversation
Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.
bit.ly/39BIu2O
Chill Out Sunbury
Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.
bit.ly/3lmVgVhv
CWA Woodend Eves
The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Golf Club. All women are welcome.
cwawoodendeves@gmail.com
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Sunshine Model Railway Club vice president Joe Saliba. (Damjan Janevski) 492384_01
Art and verse intertwined
Artist Nur Terzi will host an evening of poetry and music at the Sunbury Hume GlobalLearningCentre.
The Enduring Inspiration of Rumi will feature live readings, music and art by Terzi, who is currently hosting an exhibitioninthegalleryspace.
A selection of Rumi’s poems will be read in multiple languages by Hume-based quests,setagainstthebackdropofWhirling Waters, Terzi’s exhibition inspired by Rumi’swritings.
ThesewillincludeonereadinEnglishby behavioursupportpractitionerZehraEker, one in Farsi read by Deakin University
psychology student Masuma Saeed, and one in Turkish read by interpreter and chaplain at Northern Hospital Özden Velipasaoglu.
Livemusiconthenightwillbeperformed by Gülsah Yildirim, who will play the Oud, and Dilge Hanife Altunates will be on vocals.
Terzi’s exhibition, Whirling Waters, showcases the dynamic beauty of Turkish Ebru marbling, illumination, and calligraphy.
A Turkish-Australian artist, she holds a deep appreciation for traditional Turkish-Islamic art, bringing a
contemporaryperspectivetotheseancient techniques.
Based in Hume, she has exhibited her work in various cultural and artistic spaces, sharing the timeless beauty of Ebru with new audiences while keeping its rich heritage alive in a modern context.
The free event will be held on Thursday, August 7 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Sunbury Hume Global Learning Centre. For more information or to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/mxvv7br6
Tezri’s exhibition will also be on display inthegalleryuntilSunday,October5.
Overnewton students are ready to rock
Students from Overnewton Anglican Community College will take centre stage in an upcoming performance of We Will Rock You the musical.
Themusicaltakesplaceinafuturewhere originality has been erased and music no longer exists.
The story follows a group of outsiders who dare to challenge the system and bring real music and freedom back to the world.
Director Cailin McCarthy said the show is loud, funny, chaotic and full of heart, and that it has challenged the students in
the best possible ways.
“The vocals are demanding, the pace is fast, and the characters are bold, and they have embraced every moment,” she said.
“Their focus, creativity and teamwork have been remarkable. Watching them work and grow together has been a highlight of the year.”
Head of performing arts Carolyn Hernandez said the production is more than a school musical.
“It’s a full-scale theatrical experience, brought to life by an incredibly talented groupofyoungpeople,fromtheperformers
and musicians to the backstage crew, hair and makeup teams, and our technical students,” she said.
“With Queen’s iconic soundtrack, high-energy performances, and a story thatisbothcleveranduplifting,audiences will be thoroughly entertained from start to finish.”
Overnewton Anglican Community College’s production of We Will Rock You will be showing at the Bowery theatre in St Albans from Thursday, August 7 to Saturday August 9.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $35.
Bookmaking in Bacchus Marsh
If you have ever considered giving bookmakingago,nowisyourchance – as a workshop is about to be hosted atLerderdergLibrarythismonth.
Set for Tuesday, August 19, a bookmaking workshop with guest artist Kerrie Maloney will teach attendees how to give old books a new life through creating a collaged concertina book using a recycled old hardback book and a selection of old book pages. These pages will be reworked into a collage which will thenbecutuptocreateabook. Maloney works across a range of disciplines, materials, and techniques, while initially working from a garment, textile, and stitch background. As a keen reader, it was a natural progression for her to begin creating artist books, altered books, andbookart.
Thepagesshouldpreferablyinclude differentprinttypes,sizesandshades, for example. white, cream, beige, foxed, stained, or dirty – and include some interesting pages such as old maps, drawings, or handwritten elements.
The event is facilitated by B-MAC Gallery, which is run by local artists and volunteers and supports art and artists across the extended Bacchus Marshregion.
The workshop will run from 10am–3pm on Tuesday, August 19 at the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh. Details: facebook.com/ events/1566252444355322
Singers from the western suburbs to join together for annual choir jam
The sound of singing will reverberate through the western suburbs on Saturday, August30,whentheannualChoirJamtakes placeattheLavertonCommunityCentre.
Featuring local choirs, With One Voice Hobsons Bay and Wyndham, the Laverton Community Choir, Newport Community Choir and Willin Wimmin, Choir Jam will alsofeatureamysteryguestchoiraswellas members of the public who want to join in andexercisetheirvocalchordsontheday.
Member of With One Voice Hobsons Bay, Brenda Alexander, explained how the third annualeventwouldwork.
“We’re going to work together to learn a song together to sing and then we’re going to take turns to perform for each other and thecommunity,”Alexandersaid.
As for what type of songs they’d be singing, Alexander said that was still to be
determined, but that there would be tunes the audience would know and be able to singalongwith.
“There’ll be a variety of songs, but mostly upbeat, popular songs. Songs that people willbefamiliarwith,”shesaid.
Those who are not a member of any of the participating choirs but who still want to have a go, are welcome to do so, with all experience levels, vocal ranges, abilities, culturesandgendersabletoparticipate.
Thereisalsoroomforextrachoirstocome and join in the showcase concert section of theprogram.
Entry for audience members is free, but bookingsarerecommended.
For bookings, visit: www.trybooking. com/DCRMX
To inquire about singing, email: willin. wimmin@gmail.com
Overnewton Anglican Community College students Tristan, Pearce, Carly, Kiki, Isabella, Fiona and Olivia. (Damjan Janevski) 493280_07
Choir Jam co-ordinator Stephanie Payne with participants preparing for the community singing event in Laverton on August 30. (Damjan Janevski) 491010_01
Nur Terzi. (Damjan Janevski) 472925_02
Any
submissions to the responsible authority. An objection must:
•Be made to the responsible authority in writing or lodged online
•Include your name and mailing address
•Additionally for objections include:
•Reason/s for the objection
•State how you would be affected by the granting of a permit
•Any suggestions on how to address concerns (as applicable)
The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the period during which an application maybe made for review of a decision on the application.
More information about the objection process, including our privacy collection notice and our prescribed objection/submission form is located on Council’s website at https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Build-Plan/PlanningPermits-Approvals-Forms/Object-to-an-application.
The responsible authority will not decide on the application before at least 14 days after the date the last notice under section 52(1) or (1AA) of the Act is to be given. If you make an objection, the Responsible Authority will inform you of its decision.
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which tennis champion became the oldest woman to win a WTA singles match since 2004, at age 45?
2. Australian driver James Wharton is currently racing in which FIA-sanctioned global motorsport competition?
3. Which cricketer scored 50 and took a wicket in his T20 international debut against West Indies?
5. Gina-Maria Schumacher, daughter of Michael, recently became the world champion of which horseriding competition?
6. Which club won the 2024–25 A-League Men competition, remarkably in its very first season?
7. Which Carlton AFL player announced his retirement after playing 179 games and defeating cancer
13. Emma Raducanu recently reclaimed her British No.1 tennis ranking after defeating which player at the Citi Open in Washington?
14. What is the nickname of the England women’s national football team?
15. The Claret Jug is a trophy awarded to the winner of which major golf tournament?
16. How much is Marcus Bontempelli’s new fouryear contract with the Western Bulldogs worth?
17. Name the two Australian cyclists who won stage victories in this year’s Tour de France.
18. Which Premier League soccer club has an insect on their emblem?
19. Sprinting sensation Gout Gout was born in which Queensland city?
20. Why did players’ surnames replace the Star Casino logo on the Broncos’ jerseys for their Round 7 NRL game against the Warriors in Auckland?
21. The Australia Cup soccer tournament first took place in what year?
22. The mascot for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is what type of mythical creature?
23. Simone McKinnis is the head coach of which Super Netball team?
24. Which AFL team recently pulled off the greatest comeback win in league history against Melbourne?
25. Who did England defeat in the final of the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro?
26. What nation did cricketer Jofra Archer play Under 19s cricket for before joining England?
27. What nation recently hosted the 2025 World Aquatics Championships?
29. Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium recently celebrated an anniversary of how many years since opening?
30. How many Olympic medals has Ariarne Titmus won during her career?
28. Which Australian tennis player recently won the Washington DC Open?
Emma Raducanu
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Strike (3)
3 Murder a politically important person (11)
9 Cowboy literary genre (7)
10 Print process (7)
11 Trustworthy (8)
12 Leave off (6)
14 Aye (3)
15 Debates (11)
17 Not anxious (11)
19 Buddhist temple or monastery (3)
20 Peril (6)
21 Despot (8)
24 Speech (7)
25 Stamp (7)
26 A phrase marked off by brackets (11)
27 Lord (3) DOWN
1 Common greeting question (3,3,3)
2 Fights (7)
3 Playground (5)
4 They protect the eyes from glare (10)
5 Staunch (4)
6 Made greater (9)
7 Japanese emperor from 1989 (7)
8 Type of boat used in rowing competition (5)
13 Amounts (10)
15 Flower tea (9)
16 Soaked (9)
18 Mythical horse-man (7)
19 Soaking (7)
20 Sag (5)
22 Ribbons (5)
23 2.54cm (4)
1 What is the most southerly county of England?
2 A cinquain is a poem of how many lines?
3 Which animal has the Latin name Equus africans asinus?
4 Philip J. Fry is a main character in which animated TV series?
5 What is the title of actor and comedian Amy Poehler's (pictured) memoir?
6 In which country did halloumi cheese originate?
7 The dime is a US coin worth how many cents?
8 Erik Weisz is the birth name of which illusionist?
9 Which 2015 movie is based on a novel by American writer David Ebershoff?
10 What colour is the 'e' in the Google logo?
No. 281
No. 249
An example for others
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
After a week in the futuristic Audi Q4 EV, the diesel-powered Q7 marked an almost welcome return to normality.
Weheadedoutwestforafewdaystovisit friends and taste some wine and it meant not having to worry about when and where to charge the car.
Country folk know all about diesel and support the technology.
Dating back to 2015, the updated Q7 is currently Audi’s third most successful model, behind its smaller and cheaper siblings the Q5 and Q3, and offers the same kind of utility, but with extra seats and space to burn. Now in its 10th year of production,thisisprobablythelasthurrah for this model which will almost certainly be replaced by an all-new, fully electric model.
Then again, Audi says Q7 has recently undergone a “considerate” mid-life cycle update, which suggests it’s going to stick around for another 10 years?
Styling
Built in Slovakia and updated towards the end of last year, the second generation Q7 comes in five grades, with a choice of turbocharged petrol, hybrid turbocharged petrol or diesel or twin-turbo V8 petrol powertrains.
Entry to the range is the 2.0-litre turbocharged Q7 45 TFSI quattro, priced from $108,000 plus on-road costs. It is followed by the hybrid, diesel-electric Q7 45 TDI priced from $117,000, then the hybrid petrol/diesel Q7 55 TFSI/Q7 50 TDI S-Line,bothpricedfromthesame$136,000 and finally top of the range twin turbo V8 SQ7 TFSI priced from $174,000.
The more you pay, obviously the more performance and equipment you get although you might like to weigh up whether the extra cost is justified.
More of a cosmetic and tech makeover than a mechanical upgrade, it might not be as fast or flash as the others, but our test vehicle,theQ745TDI,wasacomfyplacein which to spend a few days on the road and light on fuel as a bonus.
It was optioned with the gloss black exterior package ($1850), metallic paint ($2400), and panoramic glass sunroof ($4000),bringingthetotalpriceto$125,534 plus on-roads.
Standard equipment includes leather appointed upholstery, three-zone climate air, electric front seats with heating and driver seat memory, leather three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction plus and shift paddles, electric luggage compartment cover and a power-operated tailgate.
There’s also 20-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, automatic parking assistance, auto-dimming interior mirror, auto lights andwipers,frontandrearparkingsensors, LED matrix headlights, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control (with stop & go, distance indicator, traffic jam assist and lane guidance system).
Q7 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
Infotainment
An enhanced MMI infotainment system letsyoudownloadanduseappslikeSpotify without the need for a phone.
But the system follows Audi’s tried and tested approach with separate screens devoted to different functions.
There’s a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with a second smaller 8.6-inchscreenbelowthisonetoprimarily control the air conditioning. A third
12.3-inch screen acts as a traditional instrument binnacle, but in digital form with limited customisation available.
Simple things like the reset for the trip computer can be incredibly hard to find (once upon a time there was a simple button).
Soundcomesfromanin-house10speaker audio system that includes a subwoofer, with Bluetooth, voice recognition built-in navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless capability.
There’s also wireless phone charging, twoUSBportsinthefrontandanotherpair inthebackplusthree12voltoutlets(onein the boot).
Buyers get complimentary three-year access to connected services, but Emergency call and Audi service request remain valid for 10 years.
Safety
Q7 earns a full five stars for safety with eight airbags, 360 degree cameras and front and rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB), but the third row lacks side, chest protection.
AEB (City, Interurban & Vulnerable Road User) works from 10km/h to 85km/h for pedestrians and cyclists, and up to 250km/h for vehicles.
There’s also lane keep assist (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) are standard, as well as blind spot warnings.
Intersection assist monitors the area in front of and to the side of the vehicle at junctions and exit roads up to 30km/h.
Turn assist monitors oncoming traffic when turning right at low speeds. Exit warningdetectsvehiclesandcyclistswhen opening doors.
There are ISOFix and top tether Child seat anchors for the second and third row seats. However, head-up display remains a $3200 option.
Engines/transmissions
The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and 48 volt mild hybriddeliver170kWofpowerat3500rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1500-3000 rpm, and you can hardly hear it. It’s paired with an eight speed ZF sequential auto with drive to all four wheels on demand, auto engine stop-start and a self-locking centre differential.
Driving
At more than five metres in length and weighing in at 2255kg, and with a 3005mm wheelbase, Q7 is no shrinking violet.
A refreshed bolder face, incorporates a redesigned single frame radiator grille with vertical inlays, that gives the vehicle a moreassertivelook.Attherear,thebumper and diffuser have also been reworked. The modelvariantcanbefoundetchedintothe B-pillars.
Inside there’s room for seven and the third row of seats fold at the touch of a button, making it easier to get in and out of the back. But it’s fit for small children only. Luggage space is 295 litres with the third rowinuse,risingtoanimpressive780litres with the third row folded.
Although Q7 is an SUV with all-wheel drive,it’snotacarwewouldreallyconsider taking off road to any large degree, not with 200mm of ground clearance and low profile 285/45 series rubber. Dirt roads are fine, beaches to a point, but fire trails – no way.
This particular SUV is built for cruising, with an 85-litre tank and maximum range of more than 1400km. The mild hybrid boosts fuel efficiency, using a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter that supplies power to the main electrical system.
The auto includes gear change paddles and six different drive modes.
The dash from 0-100km/h takes 7.1 seconds and it has a top speed of 226km. Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.0L/100km and it produces 184 g/km of CO2. The trip computer in our test vehicle showed 7.5L/100km after more than 1800km of driving.
In some ways the Q7 reminds us of our oldVWBeetle,becausethedoorskeptonly half closing. A shove was needed to do the trick.
Despite its size it’s an easy car to drive and steer, but suffers from the occasional spot of turbo lag and the suspension can become slappy on country roads.
We assumed the electric motor would have taken care of the lag, with its torque down low.
Sometimes we found finding forward or reverse gear more difficult than it should be.
The instrument screen feels dated, cluttered and difficult to read in the larger mode. The additional screen for the air-conditioning seems unnecessary and takes up quite a bit of console space. It’s easy to brush the panel and change the temperature or activate seat heating without being aware of doing so.
There’s a wireless charge pad buried in the console box, which puts it out of reach when you’re driving – perhaps a good thing?
Pairing our late model Pixel phone was easy, but the phone refused to reconnect upon re-entering the vehicle, and we needed to delete it and go through the whole pairing process over again.
There’s built-in navigation, but Android Auto works flawlessly.
Thecarcomeswithafirstaidkit,warning triangle and high visibility vests in case of trouble, but a tyre repair kit is supplied in lieu of a spare tyre.
In case you’re wondering, Q7 can tow a 3500kg braked load.
Summing up
Has it been that long?
It may not be the latest or greatest Audi, but the Q7 sets an example for others to follow. The evergreen Q7 continues to set the benchmark in the luxury SUV segment with its blend of performance, technology, and versatility.
It may not be the latest or greatest Audi, but the Q7 sets an example for others to follow. ( Supplied)
There was a nice break from wet and wintry conditions on Saturday allowing for some high quality matches. Star Weekly’s LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Spring breaking through
Williamstown’s Teagan Brett and Kiera Leare. 493536_13
Wyndhamvale’s Brodie Meadows beats West Footscray’s EJ Sharp to the ball. 493521_07
Sunshine Heights’ Rocco Tripodi and tackles Braybrook’s Jacob Bitzer. 493523_11
West Footscray’s Chris Long and Wyndhamvale’s Damon Stephens. 493521_14
Braybrook’s Luke Zammit. 493523_27
Essendon’s Matilda Dyke and North Melbourne’s Kim Rennie. 486680_03
North Melbourne’s Ruby Tripodi and Essendon’s Amy Gaylor. 486680_08
Kyneton set to field men’s and women’s sides in GDCA
It’s the beginning of a new era for Kyneton in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.
After not being able to field a senior men’s team last season for the first time in a number of decades, the Tigers have done a lot of hard work over the off season.
The club’s junior program continues to grow, while the club is set to have a men’s side return to the field.
Plans for the club’s first women’s side are also well and truly underway.
Kyneton president Daniel May said things were starting to turn around for the club and get the community back involved.
“We’ve had some difficult years,” he said. “We’ve restructured and set up for bigger and better things.
“Last year we had just three people on the committee. Now we have seven.” May said last season they didn’t have the numbers or interest for a senior men’s side, so decided to pull the pin on that.
The committee worked hard over the summer months to get enough interest to hopefully have one team this season.
“There’s enough interest to get it off the ground,” he said. “Hopefully in another
two or three seasons we can have two or three teams.
“If we can bolster the grass roots over time we can have two to three sides which is about the right amount of teams for a
town of our size.”
The club is potentially looking at having two under-15 boys teams with the biggest number of players they’ve had in that age group for the last 10 years.
Cats go into granny
By Tara Murray
Macedon is through to a third straight Riddell District Football League women’s grand final, while Riddell recorded its first finals win.
Finals action got underway in nicer conditions than what it has been the past two weeks, with the two home teams getting the job done.
Macedon was the only one of four sides to have played senior women’s finals in the RDFL.
That experience shone through for the Cats against Lancefield, winning 8.6 (54)-2.1 (13).
Cats co-coach Chris Nolan said the groupwashappytowinthroughtoanother grand final..
“They were good,” he said. “We started well and we were able to get the game on our terms.and were able to control it in cleaner weather.
“We have two game styles where we play one and change to the other when we are in control.”
Despite it being a nervy start for the Tigers, Nolan said the Tigers were again
really hard at the ball.
The Cats led 14-0 at quarter time before doubling the score heading into the half.
They were able to control the second half to ensure they had a good win.
“You know they are never going to go away,” Nolan said of the opposition. “They were a bit jittery and they are where we were a few years ago.
“I hope the club had a nice time and cherishes the opportunity.”
Nolan said they did take a bit of time to get going before they used the opportunity to move the ball well by hand.
He said moving the game forward more thananhour,asRomseyagreedtomoveall their games earlier, made a big difference totheconditionstheyplayedin,something they were grateful for.
Charlotte Noonan kicked three goals for the Cats, while Tya Konias kicked two goals.
It was three of the stars of Macedon and the overall competition in Brianna Woodburn, Lilli Collins and Ruby Watts who were named best.
Nolan said those three have the ability where they don’t always have to coach
May said they were also looking to have under-17s, under-13s boys and two under-11s. They also have good numbers in the Woolworths Blast.
The club has an under-13 girls team and is hoping to add a women’s side to the mix. May said there had been interest for that to happen.
“We’ve taken a similar view as we have to the men’s side,” he said. “We have found that they travel a lot out of the district once they turn that 15 through to 17.
“We think we can achieve a women’s side and they can choose to stay local or aspire to play as well.
“We started talking to local people in February and March. The next step is to get people to sign up.”
Work is underway to upgrade the club’s top oval wicket and the training nets.
May said having better facilities would help entice people to the club and get them to return.
He said the focus of the club was to ensure they were a welcoming club that was inclusive.
Tara Murray
Ballarat NL
Sunbury Lions premiership coach Kim Bailey will be back for another Ballarat Netball League season. Bailey, a dual premiership coach at the club, is in her third year back in her second stint at the club. The Lions currently sit atop the ladder.
EDFL
Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 and 2 finals will get under this weekend. In division 1, Keilor Park will play Strathmore for a spot in the grand final, while Burnside Heights will face Westmeadows in a knock out semi final. In division 2, Gisborne-Kyneton United will face Taylors Lakes for a grand final spot, while Roxburgh Park and the Sunbury Kangaroos will face each other in a knock out semi final for a second straight year. All matches will be on Saturday.
FV
them.
“Woody has the leaver to place herself where she thinks is best for the team,” he said.
“Early on she went back to half back and was able to intercept and we were able to start attacking from a line further back.
“She was outstanding.”
Abbie Sarginson, Emily Consiglio and Emily O’Brien were named the Tigers best.
The Cats now have the week off before the grand final the following week, while Lancefield will play Riddell in the preliminary final.
Nolan said they would likely get a couple more players back for the grand final in a boost for the side.
He said after not being able to train on their ground for the last month, that they would get the chance the next two weeks.
Riddell in its first season is now through to a preliminary final after beating the Mount Alexander Falcons, 7.1 (43)-1.4 (10).
Keely Wallace-Kilbane kicked three goals in a best on ground performance, Brianna De Haas and Mariam Habib were the Bombers best
Sunbury United continues to put the pressure on the top sides in the FV state league 3 north-west competition. Facing Heidelberg United, Sunbury scored two second half goals to come away with a 2-0 win. With Altona North suffering a draw and the Surf Coast losing, the gap behind top is now five points and it’s now equal on points in second spot. In state league 5 west, Gisborne lost to ETA Buffalo Club of Victoria.
Bendigo FL
Gisborne suffered a shock lost to Golden Square on Saturday in the Bendigo Football League. The two sides traded the lead throughout the game with the Gisborne leading by nine points at the final break. It was three goals to two in the final team, with the Golden Square, 11.12 (78)-10.13 (73). Gisborne remains in second spot but has played one less game than the sides either side of them. In the A-grade netball, Gisborne beat Golden Square, 67-19.
Sports shorts
Kyneton’s under-13 girls side. (Supplied)
Charlotte Noonan kicked three goals. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 490796_17
Redbacks ready for challenge ahead as finals loom
PlentyisonethelineforRomseywithfinals spots up for grabs in the Riddell District Football League.
With two rounds remaining, four teams are fighting for three finals spots.
Just two points separates Kyneton, Romsey, Macedon and Melton South, with Romsey and Macedon both to have byes this week.
Speaking before the weekend’s match, Redbacks coach Nathan Blair said nothing changes from what they’ve been doing the past few weeks.
“WeknewheadingintotheMeltonSouth game two weeks ago where we were,” he said.
“We have embraced that and it’s one of those things where we’ve put ourselves in a position that we can not lose for the rest of the year.”
It didn’t come much harder than this week for the Redbacks, facing the fifth placed Cats.
Blair said before the match is crucial for both slides.
“We know that there are no easy games from now on,” he said. “We’re in the positionweneedtobeatthosesidestoeven make finals.
“We beat those sides, we’ll be good enough to play finals.”
The Redbacks finals hopes though suffered a hit with Macedon winning 13.11 (89)-9.7 (61). The Cats kicked five final quarter goals to seal the win after leading
by eight points at three quarter time. Matt Burkett, Jaxson Kinnear and Jack Jedwab,weretheRedbacksbestintheloss.
The Redbacks now sit two points behind
Cats’ important win
By Tara Murray
Macedon’sRiddellDistrictFootballLeague finals hopes are in its own hands.
The Cats have been one of four teams fighting for three finals spots for a number of weeks, making every result important.
On Saturday, they were able to get over the line against Romsey.
The win means the Cats, who have a bye this weekend, only need a win in the final round against Melton Centrals to ensure they play finals.
Cats coach Al Meldrum said that everyone knew what the situation was heading into the game with the Redbacks.
“Itwasabitofagrindbeforewewereable to break them late,” he said. “There was a lotatstakeandeveryoneknewwhatwason the line without saying anything.
“I’m sure both sides were gripped with a bit of anxiety during the week. We had to take the air out of the room and get the players relaxed and enjoy it as much as they could.
“That real fear of anxiety can get in the head.”
Meldrumsaidtheyjustfocusedontaking it one contest at a time.
He said Romsey had a real edgy style to their game which made it difficult.
The Cats led at each of the breaks and held an eight point lead heading into the final break.
Macedon found another level and were abletokickawaytoa13.11(89)-9.7(61)win.
“I said to them at three quarter time that we have to work our way through it,” Meldrum said. “It might take until the last minute.
“Our ball movement was challenged and they had done well all day and that is how it played out.
“We kicked five unanswered goals in the last quarter which was really good.
Michael Rutledge kicked five goals for the Cats and was named among the best with Brodie Hoyne and Thomas Rutledge.
Matt Burkett and Jaxson Kinnear were named the Redbacks best.
The Cats sit in fourth spot, two points clear of Kyneton, Melton South and Romsey.
With both Macedon and Romsey having byes this week, a win in the final round is
enough for the Cats.
Meldrum said the bye came at a good time.
“We will enjoy the week off,” he said.
“We’ve had a big last month.
“We were given a lesson by Riddell and then bounced back against [Melton] South and had a good win against Kyneton and then played in the slop at Wallan where they handled the conditions better than us.
“WestillhaveajobtodoagainstCentrals
the Cats, who are up to fourth spot. With a bye this week, the Redbacks need to win their final round match with Woodend-Hesket and hope results go their way. In their favour is Kyneton and Melton South facing each other in the final round.
The conditions on Saturday were much nicer than the previous week for the Redbacks, with the win against Lancefield a real slog.
Blair said with the unpredictability of the weather in the Macedon Ranges, it was nice to know they could win in those sorts of conditions.
Despite the loss, he said they thought they were coming good at the right time of the season.
“We are hitting our straps now and we are improving every week.”
In other results, Riddell came away with the points in the top three clash with Wallan, winning 18.10 (118)-12.13 (85).
Dean Galea kicked eight goals in a best on ground performance.
Melton South was too strong for the Gisborne Giants, Woodend-Hesket got its fifthwinoftheseasonasitbeatLancefield, while Diggers Rest was too strong for Melton Centrals.
Tara Murray
Four Calder Cannons and five Western Jets players are among the invite list to the AFL national and state combines in October.
The invite list includes representatives from every state and territory, along with all 23 members of under-18 boys All Australian Team which was recently released.
The three-day national draft combine will be held in Melbourne from Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5.
Club interviews will be held at the MCG on Friday and Saturday, ahead ofphysicaltestingattheStateNetball and Hockey Centre on Sunday.
Selection to attend the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft Combine was based on nominations supplied by AFL clubs.
In addition, a preliminary list of 32 players have been invited to attend one of the three AFL state draft combines that will be held throughout October.
The Victorian state combine will be heldonOctober5withfurtherplayers to be added in the coming months.
Calder Cannons trio Cooper Duff-Tytler, Hussien El Achkar and Adam Sweid have all been named in the invites for the national combine.
Duff-Tytler, who is from Woodend-Hesket, and Sweid, who is from Pascoe Vale, were named in the under-18 All-Australian team.
FelixKneipp,whohasbeeninjured, istheoneCannonthathassofarbeen invited to the state combine.
in the final round. Hopefully we’ll get back on our ground after not training on it for the last five weeks.”
The seniors win was part of a big day for the club.
Their under-19s beat Romsey which hadn’t lost a game, while their reserves came from five goals down at half time to beat the Redbacks, who had the wood on them.
Then to finish off the day, the Cats women’s side won through to a third
Duff-Tytler is part of the AFL academy, while Sweid and El Achkar arepossibleEssendonnextgeneration academy picks.
Western Jets’ Oskar Ainsworth, Thomas Burton and Finn Davis have beeninvitedtothenationalcombine. Ainsworth and Davis are from Williamstown CYMS, while Burton is from Point Cook.
Collingwood father-son prospect Tom McGuane and Yarraville Seddon’s Jacob Marron have been invited to the state combine.
Jack Jedwab. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413379_21
Sam Indian. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 347360_15
Evan Long takes on new challenge at Diggers Rest Bulla
New Diggers Rest Bulla coach Evan Long was ready for a change and new challenge.
Long had been at Kealba-Green Gully in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association for the past 15 years.
Across his career he’s a nine-time premiership player and has been captain-coach in four of those.
He was Cougars captain-coach last season, scoring 670 runs at an average of 77.55 with three 100s and four 50s.
Long said he felt the time was right for him to go elsewhere to get more out of his game.
“I felt it was the right time to move on and try something new,” he said.
“Diggers Rest put forward where they are at and where they want to be. They were upfront with that and it was an exciting prospect.”
Long was initially looking at an assistant coach playing role, but things fell into place for him to step into the head coaching role.
He replaces Rhys Berry, who has
moved to Rupertswood.
Long said he knows it will be a lot different from playing at Kealba-Green Gully.
He said he didn’t feel that he could have stayed on at the club in just a playing capacity.
“Diggers Rest put forward a good overall plan and what they wanted to achieve was invigorating and motivated me to go across.”
Long already had some connection to the Burras through former Cougars teammate Tristan Krizanic who played at the Burras and will be an assistant coach this season.
It was Krizanic who first got the conversation going about Long joining the Gisborne and District Cricket Association club.
Long quickly got up to speed on the club and the competition since.
“I can’t say I’m super knowledgeable about the league,”he said. “Once the question was asked I’ve done a bit more
research.
“Ït was an easy decision to come across.”
Long said the club, which is in the Johnstone Shield, has aims of returning to the top flight, the McIntyre Cup.
The side finished fifth last season but lacked consistency at times.
“They were in some close games and lost some games they should not have,”
Long said.
“The club has guaranteed me there’s a lot more buy-in from for the ones and there’s a push to get in the side and stay in the first XI.
“The last year or so they have been happy in the second XI and just rock up.
“If you want to go up in those division, you have to put your best foot forward.
Long said they were in conversations with some prospective recruits to strengthen both their batting and bowling.”
Lions into top three
By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions continue to show they have more tricks up their sleeve in the Ballarat Football League.
With a top six spot already wrapped up, the Lions want to keep on winning and make it a top three spot.
On Saturday, the Lions had to come from behind in their last regular season match in Ballarat against Sebastopol.
Lions coach Matt White was more than happy to come home with the four points.
“It was a really good game of footy to be honest,” he said. “It was a high scoring and electric game of footy.
“We had the legs in the end. The belief was there and there were more leavers that we were able to pull.”
The Burras led by seven points at quarter time before scores were level at half time. It was back out to 17 points at the last break leaving the Lions with some work to do.
The Lions kicked six goals to one in
the final quarter to come away with 15.7 (97)-13.6 (84).
White said one of the moves that really worked in the last quarter was the Daniel Johnston into the ruck.
The Lions big off season signing has played more games than White expected him to this season.
“I rated him even back to my time at Coburg and he was a high priority for me this season.
“We didn’t expect this many games with him only missing two. He’s a great person and a great footy head.
“TobyHuttisagoodruckandDJchipped in when he could.
“He would go in for a couple of minutes. The midfield had been neck and neck and he turned that battle and we were able to get a few more clearances and get it down to Jake Sutton.
“He makes everyone stand taller when he gets on a roll.”
The two Jakes, Egan and Sutton, were
Finals spots up for grabs
The race for the final Riddell District Netball League finals spots will go downtothewire.
With two rounds remaining, three sides are fighting it out for the final twospots.
MeltonCentralswasthebigwinner in that race on Saturday as it beat Diggers Rest, while Lancefield and Wallanbothsufferedlosses.
Centrals led by just one at quarter time, before increasing the lead to 12 goalsatthemainbreak.
The margin continued to grow in thesecondhalf,withCentralsbeating theBurras,57-30.
Imogen Sexton, who shot 34 goals, was named Centrals’ best along with ManonMuir.
Leona Hristovska was named DiggersRestbest.
Centrals is now two points behind sixth placed Wallan and four points behindfifthplacedLancefield.
Both those sides lost to the top two sidesonSaturday.
Riddell had to fight hard to get the pointsagainstWallan.
Scoreswerelevelathalftimebefore theBombersbrokeopentoafivegoal leadheadingintothefinalquarter. It was goal for goal in the final quarter with the Bombers doing enoughtowin,47-41.
again among the best for the Lions and both kicked four goals.
White said Sutton made the most of a mismatch and could have had a couple more on the board.
He said Egan is learning how to be the number one midfielder with no Josh Guthrie and the tag going to him.
In good news for the club, Egan and Sutton are among the players that have already re-signed for next season.
White said talks were well underway with the whole playing group as they want tokeepasmanyplayersaroundaspossible.
The Lions win and a Melton loss, has the Lionsmoveupaspottothirdontheladder.
White said their focus for the rest of the season was to ensure that they stay in that spot.
The Saturday, they face bottom side Lake Wendouree.
In the A-grade netball, the Lions beat Sebastopol, 64-31.
Rebecca Hicks shot 46 goals.
Bec Cowell shot 33 goals for the Bombers,whileSaharaBallshot14. Lancefield tested itself against ladder leaders Woodend-Hesket, goingdown53-36.
The Hawks were able to build the leadoverthefourquarters.
Abby Gedge shot 41 goals for the Hawks with the defensive combo of Georgia Bowkett and Tayissa Coppingernamedtheirbest.
Bella Collodetti was named the Tigersbest.
Elsewhere, Gisborne Giants had a big win against Melton South. winning83-37.
Giants shooters Olivia Craske and Emma Winfield, who scored 40 and 43 goals, respectively were named theirbest.
Romsey’s finals hopes came to an endwitha61-50losstoMacedon.
The margin was just three goals at three quarter time before the Cats finishedwitha19-11finalquarter.
